Poway, CA vs San Marcos, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Poway
66.1
#1587 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
Poway leads in crime level (3.7 vs 6.1). Poway leads in median household income ($135,605 vs $99,413). San Marcos leads in walk score (33 vs 30).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Poway, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.1 (#1587) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 48,051 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,225,939 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $135,605 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 25.6 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 30 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 3.7 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 179 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+16.8 |
D
66.1 Score
Poway, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,225,939
Population
48,051
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Pacific
View Poway, CA →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →